2 days in Exmoor: a weekend itinerary
A cliff railway, a clapper bridge and wild red deer, on a moor that meets the sea.
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
Exmoor is a small national park where moorland, wooded valleys and high sea cliffs sit side by side. This plan uses the coast and Lynmouth on day one, and the inland villages and heights on day two.
It is a long way from many places, but quiet, and a recognised dark sky reserve.
Day 1: Lynmouth and the Valley of Rocks
- Morning: Ride the water-powered cliff railway between Lynmouth and Lynton, and walk to Watersmeet along the East Lyn river.
- Lunch: Eat at the tea room at Watersmeet or in Lynmouth.
- Afternoon: Walk through the Valley of Rocks, where wild goats graze above the sea.
- Evening: Have dinner in Lynmouth, then look for stars on a clear night.
Day 2: Dunster, Tarr Steps and Dunkery
- Morning: Visit Dunster, a medieval village with a castle and a yarn market.
- Lunch: Eat in Dunster or at a pub in a moorland village.
- Afternoon: See Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge across the River Barle, or climb Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor's highest point.
- Heading home: Leave in the late afternoon, allowing time for narrow lanes.
Where to stay
Lynmouth and Lynton are the best coastal bases, Dulverton is a good inland base, and Porlock is a pretty village in the north-east.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.
Getting there and around
- From Bristol: About 1.5 hours by car.
- From Exeter: About 1 hour by car.
- From London: About 3.5 hours by car.
A car is best. There are some buses, and a seasonal service along the coast, but timetables are limited.
If it rains
If it rains, ride the cliff railway, visit Dunster Castle and enjoy a cream tea, and see Watersmeet in full flow.
Packing list for Exmoor
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear
Frequently asked questions
Can I see red deer on Exmoor?
Yes, especially in the early morning and in autumn, when stags roar during the rut.
Is Exmoor good for stargazing?
Yes. It is an International Dark Sky Reserve, with some of the darkest skies in England.
Do I need a car on Exmoor?
Mostly yes, as public transport is limited.
Keep planning
Moorland, dramatic sea cliffs and a famous dark sky
New Forest ponies walkLyndhurst and Brockenhurst, HampshireThe New Forest is one of the few places in England where ponies, cattle, pigs and deer roam freely on open heath and ancient woodland, under a system of rights known as commoning.
Seven Sisters cliff walkSeven Sisters Country Park, East SussexThe Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne.
Fossil hunting on the Jurassic CoastLyme Regis and Charmouth, DorsetThe Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places in the world to find fossils, particularly around Lyme Regis and Charmouth, where the pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning worked.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and travel details change, so check before you go. Report an error or share a tip.